So I decided to repot this week......... - Orchid Board

Bolero · #1 02-27-2012, 03:09 AM

First one is Cattleya amethystoglossa and the second is a hybrid I can't remember. I had a bunch of plants like this all in 2 inch pots, I know people get more roots but just showing people that this is a good time to repot their plants.............

camille1585 · #2 02-27-2012, 04:01 AM

Wow, repotting is way overdue! That is a crazy amount of roots, the second one actually looks like it's mounted to something since you can't even see the pot anymore!

Bolero · #3 02-27-2012, 04:13 AM

Yeah love the roots. THey always grow like this in summer for me but I struggle a bit in winter. I have noticed that the smaller the pot the more success I have.......once the plants get into 4 inch pots or higher I start to have a few issues.

camille1585 · #4 02-27-2012, 04:15 AM

What about putting an inverted net pot down in the center of the larger pots? I don't know what kind of problems you have with larger pots, but if it's moisture related then that could help.

Bolero · #5 02-27-2012, 04:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by camille1585

What about putting an inverted net pot down in the center of the larger pots? I don't know what kind of problems you have with larger pots, but if it's moisture related then that could help.

Actually that is a great idea and one I hadn't considered. Will give that a test, it sounds like something that will make a difference.

My problems stem from bark mixes, perlite seems to not have any problems in winter.

WhiteRabbit · #6 02-27-2012, 10:28 PM

Holy smokes! Roots growing outside pots don't last very long around here - too dry in summer

I use inverted pots inside the larger pots (I only have small net pots, use them if size appropriate, use orchid pots, or even regular plastic pots with some holes poked in the sides, if I need something bigger) - the plants seem to do quite well that way.

InspirChid1712 · #7 02-28-2012, 08:29 AM

I have two HUGE cattleyas in 12" pots... I counteract the moisture retention of a large pot by using an inverted basket in the bottom, and by adding a significant amount of shredded styrofoam to the mix. The goal is to have the pot dry out as quickly as a 4" or 6" pot. It takes some experimentation, but works like a charm! Also, the styrofoam keeps the mix from breaking down as quickly...

PS- My favorite perk with this method is that it keeps the pot from being INSANELY heavy!!! Those two Catts are light as a feather!!!

Bolero · #8 02-28-2012, 04:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by InspirChid1712

I have two HUGE cattleyas in 12" pots... I counteract the moisture retention of a large pot by using an inverted basket in the bottom, and by adding a significant amount of shredded styrofoam to the mix. The goal is to have the pot dry out as quickly as a 4" or 6" pot. It takes some experimentation, but works like a charm! Also, the styrofoam keeps the mix from breaking down as quickly...

PS- My favorite perk with this method is that it keeps the pot from being INSANELY heavy!!! Those two Catts are light as a feather!!!

Great advice, I hadn't considered that and I have some really large Catt's that are close to needing repotting (in 8 inch pots). I will give that a go, I have a few basket pots spare from the Dracula;s I used to own.

RobS · #9 02-28-2012, 05:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by camille1585

Wow, repotting is way overdue!

This is not completly true several Cattleya alliance orchids like to grow outside the pot and will only flourish (under non extreme conditions) when they have left their artificial confinement. You could say then they should be mounted but for collections purposes this is not alway practical.